Choosing Exterior Doors

An exterior door can include any entry door such as the front door or back door. Generally, this door leads from the outside into your home. Exterior doors are heavy duty and should be weatherproof and painted or stained with a quality product to help it last. They also usually have a sturdy lock system to prevent intruders from entering into the home.

There are many reasons for homeowners to decide to replace an exterior door, apart from it needing repair or re-painting. Reasons may include poor fitting, poor weather-stripping, unfashionable appearance, and poor state of repair, or squeaking and sticking when used. Moreover, you may wish for your exterior door to let in some form of light from the outside to brighten up a hallway or room.

Exterior doors, especially front doors, are usually decorative and wood is the most popular material. Unfortunately, wood is disadvantageous in that it can warp overtime, its finishes deteriorate rapidly when exposed to weather, and it is not a good thermal insulator. However, with the proper sealing and routine maintenance a wood door can provide warmth and elegance to the exterior of your house and also offer a long lasting service life.

Metal Exterior Doors

If appearance is not a major consideration, you should consider exterior metal doors. Because of their many benefits, metal doors and frames are being recognized as a smart choice for both new and existing homes. For starters, they resist many of the problems that can occur with wood doors, like shrinking, sagging, warping and rotting. Furthermore, they have lasting finishes, and insulated metal doors provide safety and security, energy efficiency and long-term wear.

For stylishness and security, you should consider using ornate steel and wrought iron doors on the front. They provide great detail in design and also offer substantial security. You should feel extra safe because these doors come with deadbolt-type locks and double vault pins that secure it into the frame. In addition, they are also available as double doors or with sidelights.

Wood Exterior Doors

If appearance is a major concern, you might want to consider an ornate solid wood combination door with a reasonable amount of decorative glass. You can order them from the factory with a natural wood surface to be stained or primed. Also, brass-plated decorative hinges can add a classy touch to the door. Less ornate solid wood doors are hard-wearing and perfect for a back door. However, I would recommend installing a heavy 23-gauge stainless steel screen in the back for durability and security.

Fiberglass Exterior Doors

Another decorative option for the front is a door made of fiberglass. Fiberglass exterior doors reflect the beauty of wood and are easy to maintain in any climate; hot or cold. The color and grained finish are molded into the door so scratches are not very noticeable. Fiberglass doors are an affordable door option that offers attraction just as much as it offers strength. Also, these doors are effective for back doors, which children can give quite a beating.

Looking For More Information On Doors?

Replacing your home's doors is a great investment. You'll want to make sure you are choosing the right doors for your house and your budget. We offer Free Door Price Quotes from local, prescreened replacement door contractors.

Patio Doors
Patio doors are an uplifting feature to any home. Their design is made to let in
natural light which creates a more cheerful and safer interior space. Not only
can a patio door enhance natural light, but it can also be a striking
architectural accent. Not to mention, you will be able to enjoy an outdoor view
and expend your entertaining space.

Flush vs. Panel Doors
A door’s design contributes much to the overall scheme of a room and, indeed, an
entire home. Flush doors do their function, but they bring little to the table
as far as style goes. Panel doors, on the other hand, offer the look of fine
craftsmanship while also allowing builders to customize a home’s interior.
However, personal taste and price often dictate what kind of door surface to
choose.

Interior vs. Exterior Doors
The main difference between interior and exterior doors is obvious in that
interior doors are constructed to suit the needs of interior floors plans and
exterior doors are constructed to perform according to exterior needs. When
shopping for doors your first consideration will be whether you need interior or
exterior doors. Interior and exterior doors have several small distinct
differences.

Making Your Doors Draft Free
One of the most important functions of an exterior door is to keep outside
temperatures from entering into the house. In order to do this, your exterior
door needs to be properly sealed. Unfortunately, a door's weather seals can rip,
compress, bend, or wear out over time, leaving chilly winter air or scorching
summer air free to enter.